Crystal Palace announcing plans for a massive redevelopment of Selhurst Park on Monday (November 4) appears to have caught the neighbouring Sainsbury's, which is likely to be affected by the plans, by surprise, as the supermarket chain says it was not aware of what is being proposed.

The supermarket giant has reportedly proved to be an obstacle in previous discussions on whether the club would be able to redevelop the stadium, but it now seems Palace will attempt to go ahead with the project regardless.

The Advertiser contacted the supermarket after questions were raised over whether Sainsbury's was in favour of the redevelopment and would be impacted by it.

And spokesman David Mills, head of property communications at Sainsbury’s, said: “In terms of the announcement today (November 4), we were not aware of it. The plans released this afternoon were new to us.”

Selhurst Park Sainbury's on Whitehorse Lane could be affected by the redevelopment (Image: Grant Melton)

The Sainsbury’s site, which is part of the Whitehorse Lane Stand, is thought to have complicated previous redevelopment plans for the stadium.

The extent to which the supermarket and its car park would be impacted by the complete redevelopment of the Main Stand, is unclear.

The Guardian has reported that only “a tiny sliver of land” from the supermarket would be needed.

“I can’t imagine for a minute that Sainsbury’s want to be the people who hold up the development of a new iconic venue for south London,” Mr Parish told the paper.

“We’ve deliberately chosen something with the minimal potential roadblocks, and Croydon Council have been outstanding so far.

“We’ve put them under pressure, time-wise, and they’ve responded brilliantly. I’m sure they’re not going to want to drop this. I’m sure they’re going to want to be sensible.

“For the long-term future of this football club, it’s essential we improve this facility here.”

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Talking to the Advertiser in February, Palace's chairman Steve Parish said: “Sainsbury’s need to decide if they are behind it and they are going to help make it a reality.

“I’m not sure they can scupper the whole thing but they can make it a lot easier than they are making it at the moment.”

He added: “They [Sainsbury’s] can be a part of this or they can be in the way and I would have to say right now we need to understand more about where both of those parties [Sainsbury’s and Croydon Council] really sit.”

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It is clear Sainsbury’s knew the club wanted to expand the stadium but the company says it was not previously informed about Monday's announcement.

Croydon Council's cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning, Alison Butler, confirmed the council held talks with the club last week, while council leader Tony Newman has hailed the news that Palace are staying in the borough as a boost for Croydon.

The redeveloped Selhurst Park would have a capacity of more than 34,000 (Image: Crystal Palace FC)

Sainsbury's spokesman Mr Mills added: “We were certainly aware of their aspirations to redevelop the stadium.”

From past dialogue on the issue, concerns were raised as to whether the Sainsbury’s store or the car park would be affected by the redevelopment but the supermarket chain says it still does not know at this point whether they will be.

Asked about any arrangements with Sainsbury's, a Crystal Palace spokesman said: “He [Steve Parish] thinks that the best way to do it is to say we’ve got this great project and then hope we can work co-operatively.